Clallam County’s auditor called the primary vote returns so far “a bit disappointing.”

The new Montana-style primary, which has caused voter confusion, is believed to be a factor in the lower returns, Auditor Cathleen McKeown said.

McKeown reported a 12.4 percent return, or 5,283 ballots in the all-mail primary. A total of 42,622 ballot packages were mailed for the election ending Sept. 14.

The percentage compares with 17.22 percent for the same period during the 2000 primary election.

McKeown said she hoped this year’s trend will reverse as the media publicize the four-ballot primary vote and procedures for returning completed ballots.